Messi stars in Argentina's 3–0 victory over Colombia

FC Barcelona’s Leo Messi once again demonstrated his greatness, leading his fellow Argentinians to a 3–0 win over Colombia in World Cup qualifying at the Estadio San Juan del Bicentenario on Tuesday night.

The win keeps Argentina alive for a spot at the World Cup in Russia in 2018. Argentina had their backs against the wall after losing to Brazil last week.

Messi had a hand in all three of Argentina's goals, notching the first before assisting Pratto and Di Maria.

Messi's goal came after just 10 minutes of play, when he took a direct free kick and placed it perfectly into the upper corner of the net.

In the 23rd, with Argentina taking control of the match, Messi's centring pass allowed Pratto to head in for a 2–0 lead.

The second half saw Messi continue to drive the Argentina attack, wowing the crowd with his technical genius as La Albiceleste looked to put the game away.

Later, just minutes from time, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner set up Ángel di Maria to set the definitive 3–0 score in stone.

Argentina now have 19 points and are in fifth place in the 10-team South American qualifying group with six games remaining.